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WHITE INDIAN 

-A- 

WILD WEST DRAMA 

-IN- 
FOUR ACTS. 



\ 



\ 



/ 



BY BERNHARDT LAUFER. 
WM. SINNHOI.D, TRANSI.ATOR. 



BUFFALO, N. Y. 
1889. 



THE 



WHITE INDIAN 

—A— 

WILD WEST DRAMA 

— IN— 
FOUR ACTS. 



BY BERNHARDT LAUFER. 



WM. SINNHOLD, Translator. 



, ri* 



t?V OF 



CO/VQ, 



BUFFALO, N. Y. nf| 3 jggg Vi / 

1889- ^ . . r§/6 l< 



r 



^1 



3 



} :?73 



Entered according to Act of Congress in the Office of the Librarian, 
Washington, District of Columbia, 1889, by Bernhardt Laufer, and Wm. 
SiNNHOLD, Buffalo, N Y. 



ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

PROLOGUE. 

HENRY RORERSON, a trapper. 
Rir.L NEWTON, an outcast. 
Rr.OODY TTGER, an Indian chief. 
MTCfTAEE KRAFT, a German laborer. 
MINNIE, wife of Roberson. 
MARY, sweetheart of Michael. 
LITTLE GEORGE, son of Roberson. 

Second Part. 

( Time, fifteen years later. ) 

SHARP EYE, the White Indian. 

HEXRY REEOR, formerly Roberson. 

jOF, MORTIMER, formerly Newton. 

DUTCH MICHAEL, servant of Roberson. 

FLYING DEER, an Indian. 

RALPH, i^ ,. , 

TIM \ ^^io'"timer s companions. 

SAM WILSON, a sheriff. 

PAT, a bartender. 

ALICE, Roberson's niece. 

MARY, wife of Michael. 

Trappers, Sheriffs, Indians^ Bandits, Tramps, Etc. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. A room in a block house. Door and 
window in rear. 

Minnie seen sitting at a table, her child, playing at 

her feet. 

Minnie. Oh, will this terrible suspense never 
close ? My God, what does it mean ? Henry 
has been absent for more than a week, and 
this anxiety if not soon terminated, will sure- 
ly drive me mad. What can detain him so 
long? My anxiety is hourly increasing. 
Can the Indians have molested or cap- 
tured him; oh what a dreadful thought! His 
fearlessness and great love for hunting often 
prompt him to wander far from home, beyond 
the lines to the camps of the Indians. Then 
the news that Captain Newton, the terror of 
the prairie, the evil doer and outlaw, is prey- 
ing around here again, further increases my 
alarm. He is a tiger in human form, and 
human blood is ravishing lust to his instincts. 
Would to God that the wliite men and Indi- 
ans in this vicinity would unite and annihil- 
ate that beastly monster. 

George. Oh, mamma; if I ever meet that bad 
man, I'll tell him what I think of him. 

Minnie. What a thought, my precious child! 

5 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

George. Papa and Uncle William often spoke 
about that bad man, mamma, and papa said 
he was awful wicked and should be killed. 
If I was a big man, mamma, I wouldn't let 
him frighten you. I'd hunt him down and 
shoot him with papa's rifle. 

Minnie. There, there, love, you mustn't speak 
so. The bad man want harm us. (aside) 
What portentous words! the child talks so 
strange; what can it mean? His childish 
prattle seems to contain a prophec}^ May 
heaven interfere and save us from harm! 

Bloody Tiger, [appears in the door.) 

Minnie, [aside.'] An Indian? Who is he and 

what does his presence signify; does he bring 

tidings of Henry? 

Bloody Tiger. Ugh! hello, white woman, Indi- 
an tired and hungry. Can lie get something 
to eat, and a place to rest? 

Minnie, [aside.] He would speak in a diflferent 
tone if he knew aught of poor Henry, [to In- 
dian.) I am sorry, I cannot supply your 
wants. 

Bloody Tiger. Oh, white woman, have pity on 
a poor Indian who is starving. 

Minnie. No, no, I dare not shelter you, or oiler 
you succor. My husband despises and hates 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

your race, and should he return and find you 
here, he would treat you like a dog. He 
would be offended if I should extend any 
hospitality to a red man. 

Bloody Tiger. Oh, white woman, do not drive 
me away hungry and weary. Just a little 
food and a few hours rest for a poor Indian. 
Your husband is a long journey from here, 
-down the river-and will not return while I 
am here. 

George. Ma, let him rest here and give him 
something to eat; he must be very hungry 
and tired, and papa will not drive him out if 
he returns to find him here. 

Minnie. Well, well; as ever the child pleads for 
you. 1 will keep you, but if my husband re- 
turns and finds you here, I won't be respons- 
ible for what may happen. Sit down and eat 
all you want. {Bloody Tiger eats.) 

[enter Roberson. 

Roherson. Hello, red skin ! what are you doing 
here? (after embracing, his wife and child, contin- 
ues. Did you find what you were hunting for, 
red skin, or do you want me to help you find 
something that you never lost? 

Bloody Tiger. A poor Indian found what he 
was looking for — shelter and food. 

7 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Roherson. Indeed! come, tell us, what is your 
name and to what tribe does my brave red 
brother belong? 

Bloody Tiger. My name is Eagle-head. I am 
a warrior of the great Apache nation! 

Roherson. You lie! do you want me to tell you 
who you are? Oh, I know you, Bloody Tiger, 
chief of the Cherokees! Your tribe is on the 
war-path, and now tell me what your mission 
is! — What!you want speak? then begone from 
here, or I'll show you how a white man can 
protect his home and family, {turnmg aside 
momentarily, Roherson piits himself in peril, as 
the Indian chief endeavors hy stealth to stah him.. 
(jfeorgie realizes the situation, grasps his father^ s 
rifle and levels it at the warrior. ) 

George. Down with your knife or I'll shoot! 

[Roherson draws a revolver and faces the savage. 
The latter hastily retreats.) 

Roherson. That's right, my boy! Keep him ten 
feet away from you. 

Bloody Tiger. You'll suffer for this, all of you; 
and soon, too. [exit. 

Minnie. A dangerous fellow, that, — we must 
guard against him, for he means mischief. 

Roherson. Dangerous indeed, and this will 
serve ;is a good lesson for you. Henceforth, 

8 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

keep such varmints from the door. 

George. Pa, may I see which way he went? I 
am not afraid of him. 

Roherson. Well, my little man, go then, but do 
not venture out of sight of the house, (exit 
George) Happy, innocent child! I greatly 
fear that the time will come when he,too;will 
tremble with fear and his breast will be heavy. 
My dear wife, did you hear the latest news 
about Capt. Newton? 

Minnie. No, Henry, I did not; my thoughts 
were entirely about your safety. I heard that 
he was again prowling around here, and I be- 
came very much alarmed. But I can see by 
your looks, that something has happened. 
What is it? 

Roherson. Well, calm your fears, for he will 
never harm anybody. He is dead. 

Minnie. Dead, you say, can it be true? oh, what 
a blessing to all of us. His very name inspired 
fear and hate. 

Roherson. Well, it is only too true, for brother 
WiUiam and I sent him to hell to keep com- 
pany with many of his bad companions. He 
will never more trouble us. 

Minnie. Is it possible? Was that the cause of 
your long absence? 

9 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Roherson. Yes, my dear, and if you care to 
hear it, I'll tell you the whole story. When 
I left you about a week ago, in order to go 
hunting; I met William, who told me that he 
was on Newton's trail. I agreed to join him. 
We had a long chase after him, but we finally 
located him and his companions. We 
attacked them, and after a desperate fight, 
Capt. Newton was captured and one of his 
companions killed. We decided to take our 
prisoner to the fort, but on the way thither, 
he managed to elude our vigilance and 
attempted to escape. We overtook him on 
the bank of the river. Being in eminent 
danger of re-capture, he plunged into the 
river and vainly endeavored to swim to the 
opposite bank. To aim and fire at him was 
the act of a few seconds; and with a frantic 
scream, he sank under the water, never to 
rise again. Our bullets sped true, for we 
watched the surface of the river in all direct- 
ions, for some time; but to no purpose. Fully 
satisfied of his death, we started homeward. 

Minnie. Husband, how happy I am that no 
harm came to you and that, that dangerous 
man is silenced forever. Henry, tell me; did 
vou not fear to meet that rascal when out 



hunting alone? 



10 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Roberson . Why, what a httle coward you are! 
No, Minnie, why should I fear to meet him? 
To be sure, I always tried to avoid him and 
always kept on my guard. He was an ugly 
chap to deal with, and the community will 
hail his death with gratification. And now, 
my dear, I have to leave you for a little while ; 
as I must hasten to the fort, to announce 
Newton's death. While I am there, I'll try to 
get a man-servant who will protect you and 
Georgie when I am away from home. So, 
good-bye, dearest for a brief period. 

Minnie. Oh, Henry ; must you leave us so soon? 
Please stay till to-morrow at least. My mind 
is sorely troubled, and I have terrible fore- 
bodings and a presentiment of some dire af- 
fliction. Do not go; I entreat you! 

Roberson. Do'nt agitate yourself unnecessarily, 
for there is nothing* to fear. Those red devils 
and wandering spirits have fled. Fear not, 
and I'll soon return. 

Minnie. Well, husband dear, if I cannot per- 
suade you to stay, I'll accompany you a little 
way — as far as the clearing. 

[exeunt Minnie and Roberson. 

Newton, [appearing suddenly, peers around, and 
seeing nobody, soliloquizes :^^ 

11 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Nobody about the place? I would like to 
know if the villan returned here, after his 
murderous attack on nie. Stupid fool to 
think that I am dead and gone; Ha, ha, ha! 
I am not so easily drowned,and the lead that 
is to finish me, has not yet been mined. But 
I will wreak vengeance on him and his; yes, 
bloody revenge will I seek. Food for the hungry 
buzzards, they will make. I am sorry for my 
poor companion's fate. Those damned cowards 
led us a fearful chase. They hunted us like a 
couple of wild beasts. I had a close call for 
my life and I swallowed enough water to float 
myself, I guess. But I wasn't born to be 
drowned. Here I am and I shall effect a 
bloody settlement with all of my pursuers. 
1 am not thirsty; but I'll dye the soil with 
their crimson life blood, or my name is not 
Bill Newton, (footsteps' heard, and Minnie re- 
appears.) She must be that fellow's wife. I'll 
speak to her. (louder.) Well, ma'am, has 
your husband returned? I met him in the 
woods, about two hours ago. 
Minnie. Yes sir, he did come home; but he 
went to the fort to report Capt. Newton's 
death. 

Newton. Ha, ha, he did! eh? He's gone on a 
fool's errand; but I guess you will do, — so get 

12 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

on your duds and come with me. 
Minnie Sir, what do you mean! Speak open- 
ly like a man, or I may may think you are a 
boy ! 

Newton. You have a sharp tongue, my dear 
lady, and you know very well how to use it. 
I'll tell you what I mean. I mean to take 
you away from your home and all them you 
love, {lifts his hands to take hold of her. Min- 
nie makes a quick step and pulls a revolver out of 
his belt.) 

Minnie. Take care! Now, — you go! 

Newton. Yes, I will, — but only with you. [they 
lorestU, — he secures the pistol and runs after her. 

George, [appearing at ivindoiv.] Mamma, mam- 
ma, pa is coming, and a lot of soldiers from 
the fort, are with him. They are coming fast, 

too. Come and see. Hello ! Hurrah ! 

Newton. The devil! If that is the case, I must 
not be seen here, and I'll stand upon the 
order of my going; but go at once. [exit. 

Minnie. Dear Georgie, is it really so? Is your 
father coming back? Wliere is he? 

George. [smiling.'\ No, mamma, that was a ruse 
of mine. I saw that bad man chasing and 
frightening you, and I only said it to scare 

13 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 



]iim awa}^ Wasn't it funny to see him go so 
quick? 
Minnie. Dear, dear little fellow! You are just 
like your father, and will be as brave as a lion ! 
You have saved the lives of your parents this 
day, and may God bless you for it. What a 
blessing it is to have good children! 

Scene IL An openmg in the forest. 

Mary and Michael enter. 

^Both speak broken.~\ 

Mary, [entering from the right.'] Hello Dutch- 
man ! 

Michael. iunseen.~] Hello Dutch girl! (enter 
Michael from the left, rushes np and kisses her.) 

Mary [angerly.'] Lsave me alone you nasty 
fellow; I dont want to here your voice again, 
I dont want to see you and you shant kiss 
me either. 

Michael, [smiling] Nah, Nah! Mary, what's 
the matter with you, — what coon has taken 
possession of joy? 

Mary. No coon like you! I don't want you to 
annoy me again; I am no Dutch girl! 

Michael. Is that so! Well, what are vou, — a 
boy? 

14 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Mary. No, I am a German girl; do you mider- 
stand? 

Michael Well, what of it? What am I ? Wlio 
called me Dutch first? Oh, well, I under- 
stand now. You've read about the Flying 
Dutchman, and when you saw me, it came 
back to you. 

Mary. Not at all; that would be flattery, but as 
soon as I saw you I could not help thinking 
of the Dutch Michael! 

Michael. That's better yet; you called me Den 
Deutschen Michael, well that is more than I 
can claim, for he was a brilliant soldier; 
while I am only a second hand back -woods 
laborer. 

Mary, [offended.'] I sav; your name is Michael 
Fool! 

Michael. So it is, and coumpany, but hark girl; 
what brought you here anyhow? 

Mary. M}^ two little feet if you must know! 

Michael. Little feet? Ha, ha, that is the big- 
gest joke of the season! 

Mary. Well, if you will stop laughing I'll tell 
you my business here. I came to meet you, 
this is your birthday, Micliael, and I thought 
it no more than riglit to show you my devo- 
tion and love, by giving you a little present. 

15 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

{opens her basket and hands him a, little box 
tvrapped in colored paper. ) 
Michael. My beloved Mary ! My heart leaps 
like a jumping-jack, I thank you so much, 
you are the only one in this wide world who 
thinks of Michael, But my love, why did 
you not speak of the present at first, only 
think we lost at least fifteen precious minutes 
of hugging and kissing, [trys to Jdss her. 

Mary. Stop! Ungrateful wretch, j^ou mus'nt 
kiss me; and you sha't open tliat box in my 
presence. I must go now. I'll see you again 
t;>-night, and then I'll listen to 3^our squeals, 
good-bye Michael. Good-bye! 

Michael. By, by! Don't be in such a hurry! 
Bless me, if she is'nt out of sight already. She 
is a sweet, good girl. I'll bet there is some- 
thing nice in this box, for she has exquisite 
taste. Well, lets see what is in here. 

[Henry appears, and stops him from opening the box.) 

Roberson. Say, young fellow; don't you know 
a good man around here, wlio would like to 
get work? 

Michael Oh yes! Take me, I am just looking 
for a nlace. I tell you I can swing an ax as 
good as all tlie other boys, and I am afraid of 
nothing! 

16 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Roherson. Well, that is just the man I want to 
get; but say, are you strong and healthy? 

Michael. Why sure, my name is Michael Kraft 
and "Kraft" means strength If I am heathy 
you can find out easy, when you go down 
and ask my "landsman" what 1 can eat in a 
day. 

Roherson. Ha, ha, h a ! You are a jolly fellow an d 
I like your style; but how is it, — can you 
handle a gun? 

Michael. Handle a gun? Why, mein Gott, 
that is nothing for me. You must under- 
stand that I was a soldier ten month's old 
when I left Germany. 

Roherson. Oh, I see; you are one of those run- 
awaj^s too, eh? 

Michael. Yes, I don't deny it! I made room, 
you know, for another one. 

Roherson. I must say you have a very kind 
heart, — if tliis is the cause of your coming to 
this country. 

Michael. Yes, yes, that is so; my little girl 
found it out too. 

Roherson. What! you have a girl, a child? 

Michael. No, I mean my sweet heart; and you 
bet she is my darting! T am going to make 

17 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

lier my wife, as soon as I get a shop. When 
you take me, everything is all right between 
nie and Mary. 

Roherson. I would like to hire you, but I don't 
know if you are willing to work for me. 

Michael Wei], if I work for you or for some- 
body else, that is all the same. I have got to 
work anywhere; no matter where I go to. 

Roherson. That is tne talk of a straight fellow! 
The work you have to do is not very hard; 
for you onl}^ have to protect my family when 
I am out hunting. Now, I want j^ou to go 
til ere in a short time. The place, you will 
find about fifteen miles from here, and it is 
known as Roberson's ranch, [exit 

Michael. Allright! allright. Mister! I can keep 
that in my head well enough. That is what 
I call luck, it is the first luck I got in this 
country! I hope it will not run away from 
me like Mary did before. Oh, I very near for- 
got her present! {opens the box, disclosing a 
black jumping jack.) Well, now, that is a dei- 
fel of a present! You are handsomer than the 
Flying Dutchman and Dutch Michael, (shuts 
the box and tossing it to a lady in the audience. ) 
Please keep it, for Michael's sake! [exit. 

18 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Scene III. A forrest sbene. Exterior view of the 
block house. 

Bloody Tiger [sneaking around the house, dis- 
appears, and reappears with Neivton.] The 
woman and child are in the house, but the 
wdiite hunter is still absent. 

Newton. Iknow better, only a little while ago 
I heard the boy halloing to his mother, that 
his father w^as coming with soldiers. 

Bloody Tiger. Ugh, little devil has a crooked 
tougne, he was playing a trick on you, in 
order to get you away from his mother and 
out of the house. 

Neujton. Beware, redskin, dont tell any yarns! 
How can you account for that! 

Bloody Tiger. Because I watched the house 
from a distance, from the time I left it. All 
tliree were out at one time and the womnn 
returned alone; now she and her boy are in 
there. 

Newton. Well, redskin, I want you to go in and 
put an end to both of them. I'll remain out- 
side and warn you in time, should any one 
approach . 

Bloody Tiger Do the deed yourself! I shall not 
do such murderous work. 

19 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Neivton. What, 3^011 refuse? you want do it? 
Oh, well, I forgot — here take this and when 
you are through with the job, I'll give you 
more of that glittering stulf. (oj'isns gold.) 

Bloody Tiger, (indignantly throws the gold at 
Newton's feet.) fhunder and liglitning! Red 
nien are not as bad as white men. The red 
man is not a slave for money like the white 
man. [Neivton attem^pts to draw revolver.) Keep 
your hands off (revolver in hand.) I am no 
robber, and I will not rob any person of life, 
to please another; but I will have revenge. 
I will steal the child and bring him up as an 
Indian, who shall hate and fight against his 
own brothers, (to Newton.) You may settle 
with his parents in any manner you please, 
for all I care. 

Neu'tou. Hurry up. Tiger, kill them quick, and 
I'll give you a fortune. 

Bloody Tiger. Stop your talk, a brave Indian 
is not a villian ! you can buy plenty of white 
men for such base work, but an Indian, never. 
You are coward! 

Neivton. What, 3^ou dare call me a coward? 
I'll show you that I have even more courage 
than a redskin ! (ca/riH find his knife.) Let me 
take your knife for only five minutes, I lost 
mine. 

20 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Bloody TigcT. Lost your knife? that's good, but 
here take this, {hands knife to Newton, and, ap- 
proaches the house. Georgie comes out and is 
grasped by Neuion, who hands him to the Indian, ) 

George. Ma, oh ma, come help (xeorgie! 

Minnie, [rushing forth from the hcmse.^ Georgie, 
oh Georgie, where are you? 

Newton, [springimg towards her.^ Here, woman 
stop your noise and come with ns! 

Minnie. Ha! you are the same stranger wlio 
was here before. Villain! wdiat did you do 
with my boy? 

Neivton. Your boy is in my power, and you too 
are my captive. 

Mi'imie. . Wretch, how dare you say so; I'm in 
your power? Never! 

Neivton. Ha, ha, my beauty, my name is Cap- 
tain Newton, and I will not be foiled; now my 
sweet damsel come with me, — my chance for 
revenge has improved. [Newton endeavors to 
day her with the hiife. She struggles ivith hmi 
and manages to secure the knife.) Here you 
jade, give me back that knife! [dra,ws pistol. 

Minnie. Slop you villain! Do not be alarmed, 
I will not escape; I know it would not save 
me from death! Die, I must, I can jcad this 
in your face; and therefore I'd rather die by 

21 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

my own hands, than by the hands of a 
coward who has the courage to hft them 
against a powerless woman! 
Neivton. By jiminy, she is keeping her word; 
she is kilhng herself. [Minnie thrusts the 
knife into her bosom and falls to the ground.) 
What a pit}^ to be deprived of the fun of 
doing that job. She is a slick one, and has 
done the work very neatly; there is a pleas- 
ure in lessening the number of my fellow 
creatures, for by doing so I decrease the 
number of my foes, but as it is, I am just as 
well satisfied, for my hands are not stained 
from her blood! 

Bloody Tiger. Come away, quick! I hear foot- 
steps in the distance, coming this way. 

[exeunt rapidly. 

Roherson. [entering htirriedly.^ I thought I 
heard some one scream. I hope no harm 
lias come to my darling wife and child, (sees 
body of his ivife.) By the Almighty, how is 
this, my wnfe dead? Murdered! and 1 came 
too late to prevent it! Great God, lead me to 
find the wicked murderer! Oh, lead me to 
discover the monster, who has thus ruined 
my home, and blasted the happiness of my 
life. Oh, that I may soon find him! 

22 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Newton [stealing up from behind, plunges knife in- 
to lioherson^s back.] You want have to wait 
long. Here he is, take that! Ha, ha, ha! 

Roberson Oli, my God, I have been stahbed! 
Who, who, stabbed me? 

Newton. If any one asks you, tell them that it 
was I who cut your wife and cut you. 

Roberson. [sees child in the grasp of the Indian.'] 
Oh, m}^ God, spare my precious child! 

George. Pa, dear pa, come help; shoot the man! 

Roberson. My poor child, I am powerless to 
help you. Oh, God give me strength to 
recognize those deviUsh butchers; give me 
strength to punish them. Ha! all is over 
with me — I am growing faint, — I cannot see, 
— farewell my child, my — [he becomes motion- 
less.) [exeunt others. 

[enter Michael singing.] 

MicJmel. [ujiseen.] 

"When all the world is apple pie," 
"And all the sea was ink," 
"When all the trees were bread and cheese" 
"What should we have to drink." 
Oil, ya,(ya?/;ns) that's the way the money goes! 
Here I have been in this country nearly three 
years, and I cant say I own a nickel; much less 

23 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

a well stocked ranch, {looking round.) This 
must be the house I was looking for; the 
owner hired me to work for him and to pro- 
tect the house and family, when he is away 
I like the looks of that man, and as he said 
the work was light, with plenty of pie and 
cheese to eat, and enough to drink. I hope 
there are no Paddies around here, I never 
dread work, but I can't work when Paddies 
are around; its funny but a Dutchman and 
an Irishman invariably agree to disagree. 

Roherson. [ family.'] Help, oh help! 

Michael. Mein Gott what was that? Didn't 
some one call for help? Was there a fight? 
A nice place to begin work; I don't tihnk Fll 
stay here, for although I am no coward, I 
have got a permit to live, and I don't want 
to surrender it just 3^et. (starts to leave, hat sees 
Hoherson.) Mercy, a man lying on the 
ground ! I must find out if it is the man who 
hired me. By God, yes, it's him! [bends over 
him.) He is covered with blood too, and he 
seems to be dead! I wonder if it was mur- 
der? [kneels and examines Roherson.) He 
still breathes, but very faintly. Poor fellow, 
wait and Pll help you. [sees Minnie ) Hello, 
here is a woman, hut she is dead? 

Roherson. Help! Give me water. Oli help! 

24 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Michael Yes, yes, yon shall have water, ri^ht 
away, double quick! (stumbles over knife and 
'picks it u'p.'] Panipen and Granaten, what's 
that? A knife! what a queer looking thing; 
but hold, it may be a Godsend, for b}^ means 
of this knife, I may be able to reveal this 
mystery. I shall not rest till I discover tlie 
secret of this crime. And here in the still- 
ness of these woods, I swear that I shall not 
give up the pursuit till I bring to justice the 
cowardly perpetrator of this devilish deed! 

Curtain. 

ACT II. 

A garden scene. Exterior vieiv of a mansion. 
[Enter Henry Rebor, Alice and Michael.] 

Henry. Welcome, thrice welcome, my darling. 
Why, wli;it is the matter with your foot, you 
are lame? 

Michael. Miss Alice sprained her foot in alight- 
ing from her horse. 

Alice. It it is only a trifle, there is no danger, 
it will soon be all right again. 

Henry. What caused you to jump from tlie 
horse? he is very docile; was he frightened? 

Alice. I cannot account for it, he suddenly 

25 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

shied and dashed with furious speed across the 
plain. Then of a sudden he stopped short, 
reared and I became greatly alarmed. I be- 
came faint and I was gently lifted out of the 
saddle by some strong arm, and on touching 
the ground I injured my foot. [^Sharp-Eye 
appears in the hack-grownd listening. 

Henry. Perhaps it was our neighbor Mr. Mor- 
timer, who hastened to your rescue. 

Alice. Dear uncle, please do not mention his 
name; he is too selfish to do good to anybody. 
No, uncle,- I was assisted by a handsome 
young man. He is an Indian and he told 
me that his name was Sharp-Eye. Oh, 
uncle, is'nt that a romantic name? and such 
lovely eyes! They are full of pride, fearless- 
ness and honesty. T know that he is worth}^ 
of an}' good woman's love. I do believe that 
I shall love him. Why, dear uncle what is 
the matter? you are very much agitated. 

Henry. Come to me my darling, sit by my side 
and 1 will tell you the cause of ray emotion. 
I long expected that the time would come 
when I would be compelled to tell you all. 
It is a long and painful story, but I shall be 
as brief as possible. A little over fifteen years 
ago, I was one of the happiest of men; t had 

26 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

a lovely and devoted wife and a bright and 
handsome boy, who were the light of my 
home, and the joy of my life. My occupation, 
that of a trapper, required me to be away 
from home frequently. On one of these oc- 
casions on returning from a brief journey, I 
was horrified to find my beloved wife lying 
outside of the cottage, murdered ! The ground 
was dyed crimson with her life blood, which 
still trickled from a gaping wound in her 
bosom. I knelt beside her, when the same 
covv^ardly assassin stabbed me in the back. 
After a few blank moments of agony and de- 
spair, I summoned strength enough to turn in 
the direction in which my assailant was flee- 
ing. He liad my darling boy in his arms, 
and as he turned to look back, I recognized the 
devilish, grinning face of the murderer. He 
was Sharp- Eye's father! 

Alice. Oh uncle, stop, please stop! What a 
terrible story, I cannot bear to listen to it ;niy 
longer. 

Henry. You must, Alice, you must, for it deep- 
ly concerns your future welfare. In all prob- 
ability, my would be murderer thought I was 
dying wdien he saw me sink to the ground. 
M}^ child, I would have died, had ii not l^een 
for Michael there who restored me, and to 

27 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

whom I am indebted for my life. 

Michael. Do not speak of that again Mr. Rebor, 
for the shght service I rendered you has been 
repaid a thousand times. 

Henry. As soon as I was able to get on my feet 
again we started for your parents' home. On 
arriving there, we found them dead, having 
been murdered by Sharp-Eye's father. Bloody 
Tiger ! 

Alice. Uncle! 

Henry. My darling, I am speaking the truth. 
I searched for him a whole year, and at last I 
found him. My first inquiry was after my 
son. His reply was, 'Look for him under the 
o^round.' I overcome with furv; I killed him 
with this, his own knife, (shows Alice the Jmife, 
lays it on the bench.) whicli he left after com- 
mitting his murderous attack on me. 

Sharp-Kye. [aside, raakes a motion tmvard Rebor. 
Then it was he who killed my father! I will 
kill him! No, no, I cannot do it, I cannot! 

[hides himself near the gate.~\ 

Henry. I searched and researched the whole 
region in quest of my son, but alas! in vain. 
God, alone knows, wdiether he is yet alive. 
Sliarp-Eye is said to be quite intelligent, more 
so til an his father was. 

28 



TKE WHITE INDIAN. 

Alice. Oh uncle, that is a dreadful story; what 
a pity that poor Sharp-Eye should he the son 
of the murderers of my parents. 

Michael. Ah, I see Mr. Mortimer, our neighbor, 
coming this way. 

Alice. Please, uncle allow me to go into the 
house, 1 dislike that man very much. 

Michael [aside.] So do I, I don't like his looks. 

Henry. Stay my dear, don't show our neigh- 
bor any discourtesy. 

Mortimer, [eiders through the gate, and saluting all.'] 
I am going to leave here for a couple of weeks, 
and I come to bid you good bye. 

Michael, [aside.] Oh Lord, only a couple of 
weeks, why did'nt he say forever? 

Mortimer. But before leaving here, Mr. Rebor, 
I have something to tell you, and I would 
like to have a little private conversation with 
you. ( both stepping aside. ) Mr. Rebor, I th i n k 
that you have divined my feelings towards 
your lovely niece. Miss Alice. To be sure I 
am not a young man, but I am rich and in- 
dependent, and can make her life a luxurious 
and happy one. Will you permit me to claim 
her hand and consider her my betrothed? 

Henry Your wealth is no inducement as that 
is offset by our own, and in regard to Miss 

29 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Alice's affections, if you can win them I shall 
interpose no objection. Speak to her your- 
self! 

Michael. [aside.~\ I wonder what he is speak- 
ing about. Should he demand anything un- 
usual, I tell him something what will make 
liim jump like a horse. 

Mortmier. ^^approaching Alice.'] Miss Alice, your 
uncle and 1 had a little conversation in regard 
to yourself [^Michael listening. 

Alice. Indeed, I presume I ought to feel highly 
flattered. Fray, what was the subject of your 
interesting conversation. 

Mortimer. Dear Alice, you were the subject! 
I asked your uncle for permission to seek 
your hand in marriage. Will you make me 
the happiest of mortals, by becoming my wife? 

Alice. Sir, you must not speak thus! I can 

never be your wife, and j^ou must give up all 

such ideas. 
Mortimer. Do you wish me to understand that 

I must abandon all hope, that you can never 

love me? 
Alice. Yes sir, I can never bestow my love on 

a person unworthy of it. 

Mortimer. [perceinng knife on bench, to Michael] 
All! — say, whose knife is that? 

30 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Michael. It belonged to an Indian, who mur- 
dered my mistress, and sought to kill my 
master too. 

Mortimer, [to Henry.'] Then it was you who 
escaped from death. 

Henry. The same, sir! 

MortiiYYier. [aside.] Then he must be Roberson 
whom I thought dead, {alond.) I shall have 
to leave you now, and for the last time before 
I 2:0 on mv journev, I ask vou Miss Alice 
will you become my wife? 

Mich'^el. No sir, she would never wed a horse 
thief! 

Mortimer You dannied Dutchman, what do 
you mean by that? 

Michael. Listen and I will tell you. Not long 
ago I tried to catch a horse thief; I pursued 
him closely. We met, exchanged some shots, 
and one of jny bullets took effect in the fel- 
lows left hand, (seizing Mortimer^ s left hand.) 
There is the mark! Do you know now what 
I mean, you Spitz bub! 

Mortimer, [retreating.] That fellow speaks the 
truth, I am a thiei* and robber; you would not 
give up vour niece to me, but I swear she 
shall yet be mine, [to MicJiael.) I'll settle 
with you fellow, at my own convenience. 

31 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Michael Get off from the premises as quick as 
you can, or I will make you run as if the dei- 
fel was riding on your back. 

Mortimer, [draiving revolver.'] Beware! do not 
come too close to this toy; I will kill you! 

Sharp-Eye. \_er}ierging and wresting the revolver 
from, Mortimer.'] Go! you have lingered here 
long enough; your game is up! 

Neivfmi. Yes, I see; but that will not keep me 
back to call some other time! 

Sharp-Eye. White man speaks like a fool, he 
better takes care for himself! Red man is no 
friend of horse thiefs! [Sharp-Eye ivith revolv- 
er in hand.] 

Newton.. Pshaw! [exit. 

Alice. Oh, uncle, this is Sharp-Eye who rescued 

me. 
Michael. Thanks to you my brave fellow. You 

appeared Justin the iiick of time. Should 

vou ever need mv aid, just call upon Dutch 

Michael! 

Henry. I, too owe you thanks, young man, 
here is my hand. 

Sharp-Eye. No sir, I cannot touch your hand, 
for you know I am the son of Bloody-Tiger! 

32 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

I must go now, to look after Mortimer. Good 
bye to all! [exit. 

Henry. It is strange, very strange, that young 
man has the skin of an Indian, and the man- 
ners of a white man. Come Alice, let us go 
into the house, [they go in. 

Michael. She loves the Indian, and I cannot 
blame her. I myself begin to like the fellow. 
I would like to do him a good turn. I won- 
der if he loves Alice. I have it, I got it, I 
know it, yes; sure I 

Mary, [at the door.'} Michael where are you? 
M-i-c-h-a-e-1! 

Michael Hold your tongue, I am busy without 
you! 

Mary. Why Michael, what is the matter? 

Michael. Leave me alone! 

Mary. Don't be cross, I have something nice 
for you. 

Michael. Come, come, don't bother me. I'm 

talking business to myself! 
Mary. Michael, come quick, your best meal is 

waiting for you. 
Michael. What? Sauerkraut and Speck! why 

did you not say so right away, and not leave 

33 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

nie SO long in suspense? I'll come, yes I'll 
come darling. [laughing and dancing. 

Alice. [enters arid taking a seaf] Oh, what a 
dreadful misfortune! To think that Sharp- 
Eye's father was the murderer of my parents ! 
Yet I cannot help loving him and my heart 
beats for no one else. I loved him from the 
very moment I first saw him, and I cannot 
help thinking of it. > 

Shar'p-Eye. [appearing and looking about.^ Sweet 
Prairie Rose! 

Alice. You here, Sharp-Eye! 

Sharp- Eye. Yes, to warn you and to protect all 
of you, if possible. The robber, Joe MortimcT 
will soon be here with some of his gang to 
make an assault upon the house. 

Alice. Oh, I must report this to my uncle at 
once ! 

Sharp-Eye. [intercepting her.] You must not! 
You and 3^our uncle must manage to leave 
the house as soon as possible. Flying-Deer 
and myself will defend it from within. 

Alice. I shall never consent to that, for I am 
afraid you will get hurt and fall into the pow- 
er of that wicked Mortimer. 

Sharp-Eye. Perhaps you are right, but what of 
it; who cares for the poor Indian? I want 

34 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

to see all those whom I love, safe and out of 
danger. I have no doubt but the attack will 
fail, but you must trust me, and do as I tell 
you. 

Alice. I shall be guided by you, yet 1 shall re- 
main near by with my uncle and friends. 
Be very careful will you, and do not expose 
yourself unnecessarily, for my sake ! [exit, 
[it is getting dark.l 

Flying Deer, [entering.'] They are on the way 
here and you must make haste if you want to 
stop those fellows from killing your friends. 

Sharp-Eye. Well, I am ready! Come, let us 
prepare to receive them and show them, that 
we are not so bad as some of the pale-faces. 
[both enter the house. 

Mortimer, [appearing tvith tiuo connpanions. ] 
Everything is in our favor. You, Ralph, 
conceal yourself, and when opportunity^ af- 
fords, make the best use of your gun and knife. 

Ralph. All right. Captain! in case you need my 
help, whistle and I'll be on hand. [exit. 

Mortimer, [to Jim..'] You go around the liouse 
and see whether there is anything in our 
way. Hasten! (soUUquizing.) Well, Henry 
Roberson, for many years, you have believed 
that Bloody Tiger killed your wife, and you 

35 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

also rested under the false irapression that I 
had been drowned by that plunge in the river. 
Ha, ha, ha! Well, I did not think that you 
yet remained among the living. I thought 
that fifteen years ago I sent you to the grave, 
but this very night you shall die! 

Ji/m. [returning.'] All is quiet Captain! 

Mortimer. Come then and let no one escape, 
a few well directed thrusts and our work will 
be done. But, hark! Should the girl cross 
your path, do not harm a hair of her head, 
but bring her to me instantly. [They seek to 
enter the house, hut suddenly the door opens 
the two Indians appear with torches and revolvers. 

Sharp-Eye. Stand back! Begone from here, 
you see we are on guard, and cannot be sur- 
prised or overpowered! 

Michael, [appearing with leveled gun.] Stop a 
moment, I want to speak to you first! 

[Alice and Henry appear in the hack ground', Mary 
too with a big broom. 

Mary. Michael, look out! he shoots! 

[Ralph em^erges aifid fires aimlessly at Michael with- 

wd hitting him. Sharp-Eye fires at Ralph, 

the others hastily retreat. 

36 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Hmiry. [to Sharp-Eye.] Our thanks are due to 
you a second time. 

Sharp-Eye. I do not care for j^our thanks! you 
well know that I am the son of the man who 
fell by your own hand. 

Hefiiry. Your father killed my wife and others 
who were dear to me; and not content with 
that,, he also stole my beloved little son, my 
only child! 

Sharp-Eye. And if he did, could you never for- 
give? You are a white man and the princi- 
ples of your religion teach you to forgive and 
not to seek revenge! I, however, am an un- 
couth, uneducated, and untaught Indian. 
However, I forgive and pardon you, for all 
3^ou have done against my father, and here, 
standing in the presence of the Great Spirit, 
I declare that I will protect you and your 
friends against your enemies, even at the sac- 
rifice of my own life! 

Curtain. 

ACT III. 

Scene I. Interior of a roughly hiiU house. 

Joe and Jim playing cards at a table. 

Ralph, [entering quicJdy.] B-r-r-r b-r-r-r. {stm-ws 

37 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

outside.) Captain, I have to report something 
that will please you better than anything 
you have heard for the last two months. 

Mortimer. Speak out Ralph, what is it? 

Ralph. I saw Dutch Michael in company with 
his master and niece, looking for shelter from 
the storm. I think they are coming this way. 

Mortimer. What! do you speak the truth? 

Ralph. Look there, convince yourself! 

Mortimer, [going to the door.'] The deuce, that 
is lucky! Yes, they are coming straight to- 
wards the house. Once more in my pow^ej*, 
no stratagem will save them. Ralph, you 
manage the girl, and you Jim, take care of 
the Dutchman; I'll dispose of the old man. 

\_Roherson, Michael and Alice enter, are seized and 
ho\ind.] 

Alortimer. Ah, my old neighbors, you are cor- 
dially welcome; but pra^^ what is the object of 
this most unexpected but doubly w^elcome 
visit? [changing his manner.) So, at last you 
have fallen into my power and nothing can 
save you this time. Time became really ted- 
ious without you, but now I am fully repaid. 
Ha, ha, ha! 

Henry. Sir, what have I ever done to you to 
merit such treatment? 

38 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Mortimer. What liave you done? WJuit liave 
you not done? Enough sir, to turn me into 
a monster! 

Henry. I never harmed anybody, and you are 
the first who dares to say otherwise. For 
God's sake, man, what do you intend to do? 

Mortimer Did you not kill Bloody Piger, Ije- 
cause you took him for the murderer of your 
wife? but I tell you now you killed the wrong 
man! It was I who caused your wife to kill 
herself, and it was I who stabbed you in the 
back, intending to kill you. 

Henry. It is impossible ! 

Michael. Don't mind what he says, he only 
wants to vex you. I'm on to him! 

Alice. Thank heaven, Sharp-Eye's father did 
not murder my parents! 

Mortimer. It is possible! Do vou remember 
Bill Newton? 

Henry. Certainly I do. 

Mortimer. 1 am glad to hear it! I am Bill 
Newton; once the terror of the prairie, and 
still alive, and planning mischief 

Henry [springing toivards Newton. ~] You villain, 
now I see why you were terror stricken when 
you perceived the knife on the bench! 

39 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Newtcm. That is true enough, for when I saw 
that knife, I knew who you were. Now com- 
rades, fasten that fellow to a chair, also take 
the ^irl and the Dutchman away from here 
and meet me at the old rendezvous. 

Alice. Oh, my God, what next! Uncle, dear 
uncle, what are they going to do? Best and 
dearest of friends, shall I ever see you again? 

Henry. Cheer up, my brave girl! Try to keep 
up your strength and spirits. Have faith and 
let sorrow not weaken you. God will surely 
assist us. 

Michael. Yes sir; unser Gott will help us, I 
know it! 

Newton. That^s enough, take her away! 

Alice. \to Newton.] Oh, have mercy on usf 

Neuion. Mercy! There is no such word in my 
dictionary ! [laughing. 

Michael. Good bye, dear master, we have been 
of assistance to eacli other many times in the 
past, but, alas! in this trying moment I am 
powerless to aid you. I shall try however to 
keep my eyes on Miss Alice and guard her 
against injury. 

Newton Stop 3^our lamenting! Boys, take 'em 
away I [exe/iint Alice and Jim. 

40 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Michael. \to Ralph.] Nab, iiah, don't handle 
me so rough ! I am no beer keg! 

Ralph, [mad.] Oh, go on, go on! [exeunt 
Michael and Ralph. 

Newton, [to Henry.] Well sir, we are alone now 
and I hope for the last time. Pardon me, 
but I must shut j^our mouth, {tying cloth over 
his mouth. 

Henry. Coward! devil! Curse upon you! 

Neivton. You are the one who caused me to be- 
come a devil! {places powder keg and fuse.) 
Do you notice how skillfully I seek to revenge 
myself; you must perish with Ibis hut? You 
and your would-be rescurer will be blown to 
atoms. By my little arrangement, when the 
door is opened, you and your rescurer will be 
shot, and the house blown up. {screws tujo blocks 
ivith pistols on the floor.) Say, what do you 
think of my plan to dispose of you? Your 
lovely niece will become my mistress as soon 
you perish, {ignites the fuse.) Henry Roberson, 
a happy journey to you through the invis- 
ible regions of the air. ! [laughing sardonically, 
opens the window, leaps out and bars the tvindow. 
Roberson tries to upset the chair and succeeds. 
Sharp-Eye appears at the door, calling Batters 

41 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

down the door. Two shots are heard, hut nobody 
hurt. Sharp- Eye enters hastily. 

Sharp- Eye. Ugh! the smell of something burn- 
ing caused me to force an entrance to this 
place and liere I am neal}^ shot! (sees captive 
in chair and believing he had fired the shots, draivs 
his knife to kill him.. Stops on seeing his helpless 
condition.) No, it was'nt him who fired at 
me! Ugh ! those blocks and pistols — I under- 
stand. Why, this is the uncle of Alice! [re- 
lieves Henry.) What can it mean? 

Henry \]iaving become insane.'] Bloody Tiger 
dont kill me! — Spare my life I am inocent! 
— Newton did it — Georgie my child, where 
are you? — Sharp-Eye protect Alice! Oh, 
George, — my son — catcli him, — kill him, — 
revenge your moiher! (flash of fire from, the keg; 
Sharp- Eye, qaickly takes the keg and throius it 
out.] He is coming, — 3^es, he is coming; — 
Don't 3^ou behold him? Phere, — it is Newton ! 
[falls to the fi,oor. 

Sharp- Eye. [setting fire to the building] The 
Great Spirit has revenged my father in a 
more fearful way than ever I contemplated. 
His life is now sacred; his mind however is a 
blank, [takes Henry to carry Man aivay, uihen 
at the door a flash of fire seen, and a report of a 
cannon is heard; the house may fall together 

42 



the white in dian. 

Scene II. 

A path in the forest. 

Michael appears, hands hound folloived by Ralph 
revolver in hand. 

Michael. I can't proceed another step, I am so 
weaiy, that I can hardly hft my feet from tlie 
ground. 

Ralph. Come, don't stop here, or I will silence 
you forever; you must go on! 

Michael. What is that, I must? I'll show you 
in a minute. lthrowz7ig himself on tJie ground. 

Ralph, \_aside.'] You damned Dutchman! I 
dare not leave him here; he must come along. 
(alond.) Get up, you lazy scoundrel, we are 
not far from our destination and when we 
reach it you can rest yourself as much as you 
please. 

Michael. Yes, I know, perhaps forever. 

Ralph. Come, get up I sav, and he quick ahout 
it. 

Michael. Oh, I am in no hurry! {Ralph stoops 
dmvn to lift Michael and the latter seizes Ralj^h's 
shirt ivith liis teeth, and throws his arms over 
Ralph^s head and draws revolver from RalpNs 
pocket, which he drops to the ground. Releasmg 
Ralph, gives him a jyash and. recovers the revolver, 

43 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

and aims it at him.) Alia," the tables are 
turned, and now it is my turn to laugh. I 
am afraid that thing is too dangerous for you. 
Come, my boy, out with your knife, and cut 
these bindings ! Come now, hasten lively for I 
am in a great hurry now! (Ralph cuts rop<'s.) 
Well, my traveling companion, I'm sorry but 
you will have to excuse me from continuing 
tliis journey in your company. Tell your cap- 
tain that I'll remember his hospitality, and that 
Sharp-Eye and myself will soon give him a 
call. Go, now! or I may feed you on some of 
the blue beans, you have stuffed in here. 

[exit Ralph, after turning around several times. 

Michael. [perceives Newton in distance.'] Ah, 
there is the captain of those bandits; I must 
know what he wants, [hides himself. 

Ncrvtmi. [entering] The old man has been 
blown out of existence, and I am well rid of 
him. His servant shall be the next, and then 
I'll settle with Sharp-Eye who is meddling 
with my business too much. When all have 
walked the plank, then I shall take a long 
rest in the lovely arms of my sweet Alice, [exit. 

Michael, [in Ihe distance.] That no good fellow 
is after me and the Indian ! Well, mein lieber 
freund, I think I am after you too! [exit. 

44 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Scene III. 

All Indian hut 

Henry sleeping on a couch. Sharp-Eye looking at 

him. 

Sharp-Eye. It seems to me as if I had seen that 
old man's face many, many years ago. And 
the name of Newton, too, sounds most famil- 
iar. They come to me as if in a dream. 

Henry. [momng restlessly.'] Georgie, oh my 
Georgie, do not leave me again! 

Sharp-Eye. The crisis is approaching. I shall 

soon know whether his mind will be restored. 

Henry, [sitting up.] Minnie, my wife, dost thou 

hear me,-is our child Georgie, still alive? Oh, 
where am I? {to Sharp-Eye.) and who are you? 

Sharp-Eye. I am your friend — Sharp-Eye, 

Chief of the Cherokees! 
Henry. Ah 3^es, I have a faint remembrance. 

Did you not once save my life? 
S harp- Eye. Yes, I d id ! 
Henry. Yes, yes, it is coming back to my 

memory, but pray tell me, where is Alice, and 

Michael too? 
Sharp-Eye. I cannot tell; I hoped to learn tliat 

news from you. 

45 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Henry. From me? Oh, wait a minute till I 
collect my senses! let me think, {rubbing his 
head.) Now I have it. Captain Newton, the 
murderer of m}^ wife, captured and carried 
them away. 

Sharp-Eye. What is that you say? Newton, the 
murderer of your wife? 

Henry. Yes, Newton and no one else murdered 
my wife, and I, — God help me for it, — I 
punished your father for the crime. But now 
I know he was innocent. Can you ever for- 
give me? 

Sharp-Eye. You were forgiven long ago, but 
pray tell me who w^as Newton? 

Henry Newton and Mortimer are one and the 
sam e person ! [sinks doun oii the couch, exposing 
a mark on his arm 

Sharp-Eye. If that is the case, I shall not stop 
until you are punished. Captain Newton! 
[approaches the couch.) Ah, the old man sleeps, 
but his mind is at ease. But what is this? 
Why, it is the same mark that appears on 
my arm! Roberson! Newton! Bloody Tiger! 
How familiar those names sound. Ah, 1 see 
it all now. [looks at the floor.) A woman 
murdered — and lying on the ground — her 
child in the arms of an Indian — a man ap- 

46 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

peared and was stabbed — while leaning over 
the woman — and I, — yes, yes I cried for help 
— no, no, it is'nt possible! can it be, that I am 
the son of a white man, — can it be that he is 
my father? ' [enter Flying Deer.) Oh, Flying 
Deer, I am glad to see you, now answer me 
promptly and truly, am I the son of Bloody 
Tiger? 

Flying Deer. Can you doubt it? 

Sharp-Eye. [seizing Flying Deer by the throat ] I 

dont beleiye it, and I think you know the 

truth ! 

Flying Deer. I think — I — sa}^ — I will — 

Sharp-Eye. I will force you to tell the truth, 
now out with it; who was my father? 

Flying Dear. I — can't — tell you. [on his hiees.] 

S harp-Eye. You must! do you hear me? you 
must ! 

Flying-Deer. I dare not; I have promised 
Bloody Tiger, never to give it away. 

Sharp-Eye. Bloody Tiger is dead. I am your 
commander now and you liave to confess; if 
you don't, I'll strangle you to death! 

Flying-Deer. No, you shall not! Remove your 
hands from my throat and I'll confess the 
truth. 

47 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Sharp-Eye. Well then, be quick about it! 
Flying-Deer. The blood of a pale-face runs 

through your veins; your father is that man 

there, Henry Roberson ! 
Sharp-Eye. Good Heaven! can it be possible? 

Flying-Deer. Yes, there is your father sleeping 
on the couch! 

Sharp-Eye. I believe you, now go, I would like 
to be alone, [exit Flying-Deer. ) I will not rouse 
him from his sleep; he shall never learn from 
me that I am his son. I have lived the life 
of an Indian till now, and I shall continue to 
do so. I will seek Capt. Newton and he shall 
pay dearly for his cruelty to me and mine. 
Not one of his gang shall go out free! When 
I liave wreaked revenge on the murderer of 
those who were dear to me, I may explain 
my identity, (lays donm to sleep. It is getting 
dark. Newton enters ivith Jim and Ralph. They 
seize S harp-Eye. Michael and F lying- Deer enter y 
both with revolvers in their hands. 

Michael Sieh'st du wie du guckst! Yes, that's 
me, the Dutch Michael! 

Curtain. 



48 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

ACT IV. 

Scene I. Interior view of a saloon. 

[Newton and Ralph seated at atahle.] 

Pat. [the bartender.] Well gents, this is m}^ 
treat— my initiation in this business; from 
this day, I am Mrs. Mary Kraft's bartender. 
Here she goes! 

Newton, [appearing as an unknmvn.'] Well sir, I 

hope you will satisfy the land-lady. Is she a 
widow? 

Pat Be jabers she is, and a nice one too! She's 
as pretty as a picture, and has pluck and 
money. 

Ralph. You want to set your cap for her! 

Pat. By thunder, you are right; if I had that 

woman, I'd feel like a bumble bee in a pan of 

milk. 

Mary, [entering from the side.] Well, Pat, how 
is the business? 

Pat. A^ery good ma'am, very good! 

Mary. What, you call that good, when two 
people is in the saloon? Go and ask them 
what the}^ wish. [Neiuton and Ralph take cigars.) 
That was right; that's what I like. Every 

49 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

five minutes you must go around and see if 

you can't make the business go, and when 

they was treat you, never say no. 
Pat. No, no; I never refused to take a drink. 

Why, ma'am it is the best habit I got. 
Mary. Why did you not tell me so, when you 

started to work here. 
Pat Oh well, you did not ask me, and I only 

speak of habits, when somebody wants to 

know them, [takes a chew. 
Mary. Pat, what are you doing? don't eat that 

tobacco! ^ 
Pat. No, no, I am not hungry! 
Mary. By gosh, what you can lie to me. I 

saw it Pat, I saw you bite off a piece ! 
Pat Oh, you are talking about the chew I took? 
Mary. What, do you think that I don't know 

what a Jew is? You couldn't swallow a Jew 

with the maul you got; no sir! 
Pat. Don't misunderstand me; I mean a chew- 
ing tobacco! 
Mary. Chewing tobacco, you call that? Wh}^ 

man, it looked like dirt! 
Pat. Yes, but it don't taste like it! [_spits on the 

floor. 
Mary. But I guess, it don't taste much very 

50 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

extra, then you spit as if 3^011 were paid to 
make a river in the hurry! 
Pat. It only seems so to you, but not to tlie 
boys of this country. 

Mary. Well, and what is the matter with the 

girls? 
Pat. Oh, the}^ know it's good too; all the girls 

are chewing nowadays. 

Mary. Well, that is all right! The girls 
take Huty-pooty-doody, to keep the teeth nice 
and clean; then there is no man on earth 
who'd like to marry a woman with such 
black teeth as you got. Do you understand? 

[exit to the side. 

Pat. {ivhistles. ) I'll bet if she would be a law- 
yer, she would win every case. [Pat busies 
himiself behind the bar.] Ssij, gents, did you 
hear of the fire and murder in the woods, 
beyond? 

Newton. Why no, we are strangers in these 

parts; tell us about it! 
Pat. It is'nt much that I can tell vou. Thev 

say that an Indian set fire to the house and 

that he and an old white man were burned 

to death. 

Newton. This neighborhood must be in a bad 
smell, there are so many thieves about. 

51 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Pat. Thieves, bejabers, you are right sir! They 
robbed a saloon five miles from here, and 
nearly killed the bartender. 1 tell you gents, 
that never happens to me! I am just as good 
as a watch dog. 

Newton. We don't doubt that, but a dog is'nt 
smart enough for thieves, {to Ralph.) Ralph, 
you better go back and keep an e3^e on Jim; I 
don't trust that fellow an}^ more! 

Ralph. Captain, Jim is all right! He always 
was on our side and he is a trustworthy com- 
rade. 

Newton. Yes, I know he is; but only as long as 
there is some one near him. I am certain he 
is very interested about our little bird and I 
want you to go there and see if I am right. 

Ralph. All right, captain! But I think you are 

wrong if you take him for a treacherous 

fellow. 
Newton. That's all right! You go and do as 

I told you ! [exit Ralph. Newton carefully ex- 

a'm,ines a paper. 

Pat. [admiring the bar.'] There, that looks first 
rate now; I think it will pass inspection, 
(a tramp sneaks in and passes out several bottles and 
Sonne lunch to a comrade on the outside. )Y2i\i\\,i\iQ 
land-lady will think the world of me, when 

52 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

she returns, and finds every thing in its 
place, and looking so bright and clean. 
Sure Pat, you are a trump and might as well 
have a drink with 3^ourself! 

Mary, [entering and seeing the tramp.] Pat, you 
big fool, don't you see that tramp there, 
stealing my property? Catch him, quick! 
(tramp disappears and Pat in his haste, upsets the 
bar.) Oh, hol}^ Moses, oh my poor soul! Can 
it be possible, in broad daylight too, in the 
presence of myself Oh ma'am, have pity on 
poor Pat! 

Mary. Get out of here, 1 don't want such a 
green fool around me. Get a broom and dust 
pan and brush up that mess on the floor! 

Sharp-Eye. [entering luith Roberson, — who wears 
false beard, — and seating themselves at a table. 
Newton departs shaking his fist threateningly 
Sharp-Kye goes to the door and looks after him.) 
Fool that you are, you think that I did not 
recognize you! My name is Sharp-Eye find 
an Indian bears his name only, when he is 
worthy of it! 

Mary. Oh, Sharp-Eye, how glad I am in meet 
you again! Where did you come from? Did 
you see or hear anything from my poor 
Michael? I haven't heard a word from him 

53 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

since he disappeared with his old master and 
Miss Ahce. Oh, will 1 ever see him again! 

[_weepi7ig. 

Sharp-Eye. Be qui^t ma'am, don't despair, 
Michael is alive and he will return to you 
again! {enter Flying-Deer, who whispers softly 
to Sharp-Eye. The latter turns to Roher son.) I 
just received good news. If I ask you to do 
a favor for me," will you grant it? 

Henry Yes, if I can; speak out! 

Sharp-Eye. Let me have the knife with which 
you killed Bloody Tiger! 

Henry. The very same knife? yes you shall 
have it; here it is, take it, but do not use it in 
the same way which I did. 

Sharp-Eye. I shall never use it against any 
but the guilty, and those who deserve punish- 
ment ! 

Newton, [entering ivith the sheriff and tivo deputies. 
Newton points to Sharp-Eye.'] There is the man 
who killed my friend and neighbor, Rober- 
son! Arrest him! 

Sharp-Eye. You lie! I can prove it. 

Newton. He speaks falsely; he is guilty of the 
crime, and I want you to do your duty, officer! 

54 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Sheriff. If he can prove his innocence, I have 
no authority to detain him. An Indian has 
as much ri^ht to the protection of the law as 
a white man! Now Sharp-Ej^e, I want you 
to teU me the truth. Do you know anything 
ahout Roberson's death? Who killed him? 

Sharp-Eye. Nobody killed him; he is not dead 
but this fellow (tearing a false beard from New- 
ton.) tried his best to kill him, but was foiled 
by me! Gentlemen, here is Mr. Roberson! 
[Roherson re'moves a false beard. 

Newton, [aside.] Hades is turning against me ; 
I must get out of here quickly, [endeavors to 
escape through the door, but is caught by Michael 
entering. 

Michael. I've got him, I've got the rascal! 
[Newton and Michael ivrestle. Michael pulls off 
Newton's coat and falls to the floor. Newton 
escaping after several shots fired by Sharp-Eye. 

Mary. Oh how glad I am that my Michael has 
come back to me! Michael, my dear Mich- 
ael, come to my arms! 

Michael. Mary, my darling, I'll fly to thee! 

Pat. Oh dear, oh dear, she's got him agahi! 
she's got him again! 

55 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Scene II. 

A path in the woods. 

Michael appearing with Mary. 

Michael Come on, come on, I'll show you what 
I will do with you. 

Mary. Michael, what is the matter with you; 
are you verneckt? Oh, hu, don't tear me all 
to pieces! 

Michael. Shut up, when I speak. You — you — 

Mary. Well, what are you getting at. Don't 
be too much excited, you know well enough 
it won't do you any good. Do you hear? 

Michael. What! I want to see about that. You 
know^ what you can do? You can live with 
that Irishman and I go back to Germany! 

Mary. Oh, your jealousy is the reason again, 
that you don't know what you are doing. Well 
you may go; I am sure you can't go far with- 
out your dear Mary. 

Michael. Yes, dear you was to me once, but 
now I would like to sell you very cheap, for 
nothing. I keep my word right away; I go 
back to mein old father-land, and you can 
marry that nice bartender, who eats tobacco. 

56 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Mary. Oh, Michael, good old friend, best 
husband of all the other husbands, stay hero 
and do not leave me alone in this wilderness. 
You break my heart when you run away 
from me. 

Michael, Oh, Mary stop, you make the stones 
cry with your story. 

Mary. Michael; ach mein lieber Schatz, do not 
laugh at a loving wife. You must not go; 
have you forgotten that you dare not go back 
any more, on account of that soldier business 
of yours? 

Michael. Yes, that's so, you are right like all 
ways. 

Mary. Yes, and if you would listen to me every 
time, all the things would go a better way. 
What is the use to get hot-headed about Pat? 

Michael. You can say so, but I, — I can't. Oh 
Mary, I loved you so much; all my heart was 
yours, but now, since I see that another man 
IS in my house, I can't bear it any longer; I 
must go ! 

Mary. If that is all you got against him, then 
I 'tell him to quit • and if he don't, I'll dis- 
charge him. 

Michael. Yes, that is right; that's the way to 
please your husband, mein sueser Zucker 

57 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

klumpe. Come, I'll help you, if he don't 
want to move away, I will fire him out. 

Mary. No, you don't, you take my advice an d re- 
main here. Your head is out of order, and 
you may start a fight on account of nothing. 
Now, I don't want you to do so. I can settle 
with him alone, my old Brummbaer! [exit. 

Michael. Mein lieber Gott im Himmelshe callt 
me an old grumbler! No, I want stand that. 
I know what I do if I don't shange my mind ; 
I fire the both, out of the property of my 
house! [enter Sharp-Eye.) Say, tell me, 
brother, do j^ou know anything of the place 
Alice has been taken to, and where she is 
kept; have you any idea what has become of 
that rascal Newton? 

Sharp-Eye. I do not no where Alice is conceal- 
ed, and as to that rascal Newton, I cannot 
imagine what has become of him. 

Michael. Well, I know. 

Sharp-Eye. Do you really? 

Michael. Yes, have you ever been on top of 
Red Mountain? 

Sharp- Eye. Yes, many a time; I know every 
nook and crook, even in the dark. 

Michael. Well, I don't think you know of the 
place I am going 1o lead you to, but I will 

58 ' 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

explain it to you. You pass around Eagle 
Rock, till you come to a brook; you follow up 
its course, till you arrive at a huge pine tree; 
when there, continue on your way for about 
a hundred steps, where you will find a bridge; 
on the opposite side stands a small house, in 
which Alice is kept a prisoner. I tell you 
this because, — well because I know that you 
and Alice are sweet on each other. You 
must go now, and may good luck follow^ you! 
{Sharp-Eye starts away.) I shall not suffer 
him to go alone; there are dangerous foes 
about here, and if harm comes to Sharp-Eye, 
Miss Alice would never forgive me. I have 
it, I shall go and inform Roberson and the 
sheriff', right straight away, [exit, singing. 

Scene III. 

A lonely place in the niountains, shoiving a small hut, 

in which Alice is kept a prisoiier, A bridge 

to he seen in the rear. 

Jim ivalking to and fro. 

Alice, \unseen.'] Jim, oh Jim ! 

Jim. Well girl, wdiat is it you want? 

Alice. Oh Jim, can't you let me leave this place? 

If you do, my friends will give you enough 

money to make you a rich man. 

59 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Jim. You ask for too much ! I will grant you 
anything except your freedom. 

Alice. Please Jim, open this door, and I swear 
that nobody shall learn that you were con- 
cerned in my escape. Jim, you had a mother 
once; poor old soul, she would not approve of 
your present course. Think of her, Jim, and 
let me go! [lialph crosses tJie bridge mid listens. 

Jim. My dear old mother! yes indeed I am 
more than disgusted with the life I am lead- 
ing; perhaps this is the best opportunity to 
turn over a new leaf and live a different and 
better life. Yes, I will release you, and 
this one good act may atone in part for some 
of my misdeeds, and I know you will pray 
for me. [attempts to open the door, hut is seized 
hjj Ralph. 

Ralph. So, my fine friend, what were you 

going to do? 
Jmi. You have been watching nie, and I hope 

you was'nt blind! 

Ralph. No, you bet! Our Captain was right 
when he told me to come and watch you, as 
he expected treachery on your part, (they 
lurestle on the bridge, Jim is stabbed and thrown 
over the bridge.) I am sorry for you but one 
life is as good as another! (a gun is fired, 

60 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Ralph drops dead and Sharp-Eye cr onsen the 

bridge, and releases Alice. 
Alice. Oh Sharp-Eye, is it you? how glad I am 

to see you! and to think tlmt you should be 

the one to give me m}^ freedom! Oh, I thank 

you so much! how can I ever repay you? 
Sharp-Eye. Don't speak of that now, you can 

best repa}^ me by returning to your home. 

Your uncle is anxious to see you, and this is 

too dangerous a place for you. 

Alice. Is it possible? Is my dear uncle alive? 
Oh what joyous news! 

Sharp-Eye. Yes so it is! Come now, you must 
take this road, and here is a pistol; you may 
need it. Should anything serious happen to 
me, then ask Flying-Deer, who Sharp-Eye 
was. Try to think of me, if you can ; as a dearly 
beloved brother. Be cautious and do not 
falter till you reach your home. Farewell! 

Alice. Oh, Sharp- Eye, my dearest friend I dread 
to think of your remaining here alone; but, if 
it must be, then farewell till w^e meet again. 
[_exit Alice. 

Sharp- Eye. Somebody is coming across the 
bridge; at last I shall face that wretch Newton, 
and somebody will get liurt. [enters the hut, 
removes his feathers, outer gannents, etc., retaining 

61 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

a single knife, and then disguising himself as a girl. 

Newton, [appearing outside of hut] That devil- 
ish Indian interfered in my affairs a second 
time; to him I am indebted for all my bad 
luck; but wait, 'he who laughs last, laughs 
best!' I must call tlie boys. Hello, there 
within, Jim! Ralph! — No answer? that is 
strange! (peers about.) They are both gone; 
— gone with the girl too! (opens the door.) 
No, that fear is groundless; the beauty is still 
liere. (seizes Sharp- Eye and forces him through 
the door.) Here, I am going to leave this 
place, and if you will follow me willingly, I'll 
spare your life. 

Sharp-Eye. [throwing aside his mask ] Look in 
my face; do you recognize me? 

Newton, (amazed.) Sharp-Eye! 

Sharp-Eye. Yes, but my right name is George 
Roberson ! 

Newton. What? 

Sharp-Eye. Oh, I see you still remember the 
little boy who made you run years ago, with 
a few words. That little boy is a man now, 
and he has sworn to kill you with the knife 
of Bloody Tiger! (pulls his knife.) Now you 
coward, stand up, like a man if you can, and 
fight for your life! (they fight ivith knives, and. 

62 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Roherson, Alice, Michael, Mary, Pat, the Sheriff 
and deputies appear. Newton drops his knife, but 
succeeds in gaining that of Sharp- Eye. 
Neivton. [to Roherson.'] By this knife yowT wife 
fell, and now your son, shall die by the same 
blade ! 

Roherson. Oh, I see it all now! Sharp-Eye my 
son, my long lost boy! 

Sharp Eye. [to Newton.] You told a lie! {to 
Roherson.) Do not believe his false words! 
[Sharp-Eye throws Neivton who falls on his own 

knife.] 

Neivton. Oh, — oh, — I am dying! 

Alice. Oh, look here, Sharp-Eye is wounded! 

Roherson. [examining Sharp-Eye's wound and per- 
ceiving the hirth-m.ark on his arrn.] Newton 
spoke the truth indeed! you are my long lost 
son George; this mark proves it! 

Sharp-Eye. Father, it is true! I knew it long 
ago, but I could not tell you of it on account 
of Newton, [they emhrace. 

Roherson. There, my son, now go to Alice; she 
is worthy of you, and ma^^ God bless you both! 

Mary, [to Michael] Why, Michael, what is the 
matter with you? I do believe you are cry- 
ing, [they emhrace. 

63 



THE WHITE INDIAN. 

Michael. Yes, yes, too much happiness at once! 

Pat. Oh, murder, so much affection overcomes 
me! [turning around, Neivton gets up and stag- 
gers to the bridge.) Holy Moses, the rascal is 
still alive! Sheriff,shej'ifF, seize him! [Flying- 
Deer blocks Newton's escape. Neivton hangs in 
mid-air, from the bridge. 

Newton. Mercy, have mercy on me! 

Michael. Not to you; you do not deserve any 
mercy! 

Flying-Deer, Hoi, hoi, hoi, ugh, ugh! Flying- 
Deer will send the pale-face to the happy 
hunting ground, \_forces Newton to release his 
hold. 

Roberson. A miserable end it was, but he richly 
deserved it. Society has been well rid of one 
of tlie worst of human monsters. Oh, God 
we thank thee for our deliverance from the 
many perils which have beset us. 

[the end.] 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





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